Found this little bundle of gorgeousness in the garden. He/She sat around and waited for me to get my camera. This species is often confused with Pyrausta purpuralis. Both can be bright purple with golden markings, especially when fresh, or brown with yellowish markings, especially when worn. The principal distinguishing feature is the arrangement of the postmedian markings on the forewing.

With over 600 entries and plenty of spectators creating a great atmosphere, the Folkestone Coastal 10k seemed like something I should enter. I signed up at the start of the year with every intention of training hard for it, but then I had two months off with a rib and knee injury so that rather set me back. However, I gave it a go and that’s all that really matters. However, that said, I have done a lot of walking recently up a fair amount of hills, so this being a flat course, I knew I could finish it. I just wanted to be able to run the whole distance without collapsing.

The last time I actually ran 10k was back in September 2012 at the Resolution Run in Mote Park. I really wanted the weather to be slightly more pleasant than then. There was no rain, but jeez it was cold before the run started!

I admit it, I wasn’t really feeling in the mood to run. Photos by Dad.

Just to prove how cold it was at the start… Mum wrapped up nice and warm. However, it was soon time to remove the trusty Carter USM top. I like to run/walk in Buff headbands now – they can be used in various styles, but I just went for a simple ‘wrap it round’ approach.

I started in my usual position – about a third of the way back. I have no delusions that I’m ever going to win a 10k. It’s about proving to myself that I can do it, but, of course, I don’t want to come last either!

I tracked this run with my Garmin 10 – I basically don’t change pace too much and try and stick at something that is comfortable. If I had had any training this might be different, but I’m all self taught so I tend to just go with what I like. Anyway, I got overtaken by a lot of people in the first 2km, but I overtook a lot in the last half of the run, so a steady pace works well for me.

My left ankle started hurting at the 3k marker which wasn’t a good sign and I did contemplate quitting, but I carried on and it eased. At 7k I felt my right groin twinge, but, well, when you’ve gone that far you have to finish. By the second drinks point it was warm, very warm, and that cup of water just got poured all over my head – heaven!

There were no medals on offer, perhaps this is always the case, but, instead, was a really cool trophy! I’m lovin’ that.

Unfortunately, the on-site refreshments were not very vegan friendly, so I quickly tucked into a sarnie I had brought with me.

My aim for this run was to go under the hour. I’ll update this with the chip time when I have it, but my Garmin reckons this: 58:22, so I’m chuffed to bits with that and thinking of signing up for next year as soon as I can.